NBCUniversal has agreed to license the TV shows to the St.Louis-based digital publisher, with Lion Forge writing, developing and publishing a series of digital comics based on the iconic eighties shows.

“Partnering with the team at Lion Forge to bring classic TV properties to life in graphic novel format was a natural step for us as we continue to identify new ways to entertain our fans in the digital space,” explains Chris Lucero, director of Global Consumer Products Licensing for NBCUniversal Television. “We’re excited to give fans a chance to revisit some of their favorite shows and characters in a completely new way.”

Among the writers currently on board to work on the projects are Joelle Sellner (Teen Titans, Jackie Chan Adventures, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi); Jonathan London (Geekscape); Geoffrey Thorne (Leverage, Ben 10) and David Gorden (Catalyst Prime: Accel and Catalyst Prime: Quincredible).

I can’t claim to being the biggest comic fan in the world, but as a child of the 80s it will be interesting to see how characters such as Samuel ‘Screech’ Powers are reintroduced into the 21st century digital age. And, indeed, whether they’ll get a whole-new following.

The comics are scheduled for distribution later this year, and will be available through the Amazon Kindle Bookstore, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble’s The Nook Book Store and Kobo.